Post by Monique Mitchelson

Trigger Warning - DFV, Filicide Important reminder on the importance of how we as professionals speak about Filicide following the news in Perth. It is a form of domestic and family violence, and when it involves the killing of disabled children... autistic children with high support needs the language used can contribute to social contagion, minimisation and dehumanisation of Autistic and disabled people, and perpetuate social narratives that we are burdens on society and our deaths at the hands of others are understandable. Autistic and disabled children and adults have a right to life. 'Well meaning' comments that justify, minimise, excuse or normalise murder of people due to disability status can perpetuate Ableism and social norms that can contribute to Filicide. The Monash Deakin Filicide research hub states that a child having a disability is a major risk factor for Filicide. Societal attitudes continually reinforced to parents about their child's disability plays a role in this. It has been quite distressing as an Autistic adult to see the commentary on social media and how the media has handled reporting of this issue, and many of the Autistic professionals and adult community members are similarly distressed. This is part of the toll of minority stress. Please challenge the idea that it is better to be dead than disabled, that disabled people are a drain on society, that disability means suffering, and that disabled lives are not worth living. Promote inclusion, community integration, and acceptance. Yes there were systemic factors of failed supports, funding cuts, and much of the negative political rhetoric around the NDIS for YEARS has targeted Autistic people and carers of Autistic people. Carer burnout and mental health issues is real, I see it everyday as a clinician. There is systemic bias against Autistic and Disabled Parents as well in the NDIS and other systems. However, there are many non-Autistic and Autistic parents who are severely under supported and struggling who would never commit Filicide. Please look at the evidence based resource and the Autistic Self Advocacy Network's anti-filicide toolkit for how to talk about Filicide in a way that does not perpetuate harm. - Centre the victims, the children who were killed - Use correct language - killed, murdered, filicide, violence - do not minimise or soften language -Call out Ableism The Monash Deakin Filicide Research Hub is committed to understanding, preventing, and responding to filicide — the tragic killing of a child by a parent or stepparent. https://lnkd.in/ggj9wW5F https://lnkd.in/gq_eSE8c